Sonia Brex: NAIF (Piranha)
This arresting collection from the Italian-born Brex, who is a longtime Berlin resident, comprises a diverse group of songs, which could loosely be termed “electro-pop,” but that bring together influences as varied as bossa nova and Chinese opera.

Freezepop: Imaginary Friends (Archenemy Records)
The Boston-area quartet offers a sound that is in many ways a throwback to ''80s synth pop. The band''s songs have been in a number of videogames, and are anchored by Liz Enthusiasm''s vocals.

Ukab Maerd: The Waiting Room (HC Productions)
Chuck Oken Jr. and Gayle Ellet present an impressive album of electronic explorations that feature a huge array of synths. Much of it was recorded live, with additional overdubs and loops from French guitarist Richard Pinhas added later.

Various Artists: Ines LP (Clown and Sunset)
The debut from 20-year-old Nicolas Jaar''s label is a compilation of three artists from across the world: Jaar is New York City-based, Nikita Quasim lives in Moscow, and Soul Keita hails from Addis Ababa, Ehtiopia. The common theme is a mix of sound design, and electronic and acoustic textures. The material is unusual, as is the delivery medium for the physical album: a USB memory stick.

Download the song "Her String," which features all three artists from the Inés LP, Nicolas Jaar, Nikita Quasim, and Soul Keita

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